Seven-time world champion Schumacher suffered a severe head trauma after a near fatal skiing accident on December 29, 2013. His recovery and progress have been kept a closely guarded secret by his friends and family, with many racing fans eager to see their hero return to the sport. News has been sparse, with his wife Corrina, 50, breaking silence to celebrate the lifetime achievements of her husband on his 50th birthday.
Speaking to Radio Monetcarlo, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President Jean Todt commented on the current situation of Michael Schumacher.
The racing mogul is one of a handful of select people who regularly visit the 5-0-year-old superstar in Switzerland, where he has been receiving treatment since his accident.
But Mr Todt stopped short on revealing details about the F1 legend’s condition or progress.
The former Ferrari team boss said: “His health is private.
“All I can say is that he lives surrounded by his family and keeps fighting.”
The racing legend’s long-term manager, Sabine Kehm, told Süddeutsche Zeitung: “From a legal point of view, any statement about his health status would “reduce the scope of his privacy permanently”.
On 5 December, the documentary “Schumacher” will be released in cinemas in Germany and Switzerland. The film is to trace the career of the exceptional driver.
The sportsman has not been seen in public for over five years with updates on his health remaining thin.
It is believed the superstar is still receiving extensive nursing and therapy care.
In January, around the time of Michael’s birthday, a family statement said: “You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him.
“Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy.
“At the same time, we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019.”
But Schumacher fans are bracing for the release of a new documentary later this year, celebrating the life of one of the sport’s most enduring stars.
Blockbuster film ‘Schumacher’ will feature up close and personal interviews with Michael’s wife and his father, Rolf, 73.
It will be the first time Michael’s family have given in depth interviews on the driving legend’s life in five years – ut the film will not feature Michael himself as he continues to recover from his devastating accident.
Additional reporting by Monika Pallenberg.